When you are already working as a registered nurse (RN), it can be difficult to consider adding anything else to your plate, especially a return to higher education. While an associate degree or diploma program may have helped you quickly enter the nursing field, you will likely need to advance your degree to maximize your earning and career potential.
An RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is often the next step for many nurses and has several positive benefits. The online RN to BSN program through Northern Kentucky University (NKU) prepares graduates to take advantage of the benefits that accompany an advanced degree and fill many high-demand nursing roles.
The Benefits of a BSN Degree
BSN-prepared nurses enjoy a number of perks with an advanced degree. They earn more money, are better positioned for career advancement and leadership roles, can pursue graduate studies and specializations, and have more control over their work environment. As the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) notes, the following are five ways your career will grow with a BSN:
1. BSN-prepared Nurses Earn More Money
Nurses with a BSN generally earn more money. According to PayScale, RNs with an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree earn an average annual salary of approximately $76,000. Additional PayScale data from the same timeframe indicates that nurses who have completed their BSN make an average salary of $94,000 each year.
2. A BSN Offers More Career Advancement and Leadership Opportunities
Employers are increasingly seeking nurses educated at the baccalaureate level. The BSN degree is becoming standard for entry-level positions and leadership opportunities. The AACN notes that all Magnet hospitals require nurse managers and nurse leaders to hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing or higher. It also asks that nurse employers encourage RNs to earn a BSN or higher-level degree to improve the field.
The demand for BSN-prepared nurses has gained traction since 2010 after the Institute of Medicine (IOM), now called the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), recommended that at least 80% of the nation’s nurses complete a BSN by 2020. The IOM advocated for this change because BSN-prepared nurses are associated with better patient outcomes and lower mortality. BSN coursework is also instrumental in helping nurses develop key leadership competencies to pursue administrative positions and influence how care is delivered. While the number of BSN-prepared nurses did not reach that goal by 2020, the action emphasized the importance of the BSN degree.
3. The BSN Readies Nurses for Graduate Education
If you are considering any career pathways that require graduate education, such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator, then a BSN puts you closer to that goal. You can complete NKU’s online RN to BSN in as few as 10 months, making you ready to pursue your graduate degree. The online format allows you to do this while remaining employed, which means keeping your seniority, benefits and access to employer-sponsored tuition reimbursements.
4. BSN-prepared Nurses Have More Specialization Options
There are several nursing specializations nurses can pursue. Due to the complex decision-making, patient care and technical skills required, many clinical specialties require a BSN. Specialty certifications are a fantastic option for nurses who do not want to pursue a graduate degree. After completing an accelerated BSN program, they can focus on earning a certification in one or more areas of interest. These positions usually come with a higher salary, too.
5. A BSN Provides More Control Over Your Work Environment
Many nurses perform bedside care in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Due to long hours and shiftwork, these positions often contribute to burnout. A BSN gives you more control over when and where you work by helping you land a position that supports family life and personal well-being. BSN-prepared nurses may specialize in travel nursing, case management, healthcare research, consulting or even pharmaceutical sales with opportunities in both clinical and nonclinical settings. These roles may offer more scheduling flexibility, including remote or hybrid work options and less rigorous hours.
How an Advanced Degree Puts You a Step Ahead
Nurses already working in the field may be hesitant to continue their education beyond an associate degree. An online RN to BSN program is a short-term commitment that can quickly boost your career prospects and salary, allowing you to create a more sustainable and fulfilling work-life balance.
Learn more about NKU’s online RN to BSN program.
